The Full PLAY /
The CLUB

The Full PLAY / The CLUB is PlayCV’s Monday-Friday after-school program for TK to 8th-grade students and open until 6:00 p.m. Located on every public elementary and middle school campus in Castro Valley, Full PLAY offers easy, on-site learning and enrichment.

At a fraction of the cost of a typical after-school program—and with financial aid available—Full PLAY delivers high-quality, affordable care with dynamic daily Core Classes. Students engage in leadership and life skills, STEAM, and sports, along with fun math activities, homework support, and structured play. Free enrichment class options like eSports, chess, and bucket drumming let students explore new interests in a fun, supportive environment.

Daily enrichment classes and programs like PlayCV Productions are included in the Full PLAY experience!

The Full PLAY

Key Activities

  1. Daily Enrichment Activities: A rotating schedule of movement, music, mindfulness, leadership, STEAM, art, and games keeps each day fun and engaging.
  2. Circle Time: Songs, stories, and group games build connection, confidence, and communication skills.
  3. Quiet Time: A peaceful reset with books, calming toys, yoga, or quiet rest.
  4. Themed Play: Every two weeks, kids dive into imaginative, hands-on activities like exploring community helpers or nature adventures.

Times

The Full PLAY for TK is a full-day program running five days a week throughout the school year:

  • Standard Program: Up to 5:00 pm
  • Shortened Program: Up to 3:00 pm
    • Drop-off: as early as 8:20 am for students in a 'PM' TK Class
  • Extended care: 5:00-6:00 pm

Cost

  • Standard Program: $1,160/month
  • Shortened Program: $725/month
  • Extended care: $100/month additional cost

Financial aid and payment plans are available! Please reach out to us at info@playcv.org for more information.

Additionally, PlayCV provides a sibling discount of 10% off the tuition, applied to the lower of the two enrollment fees.

Weekly Schedule

The Full PLAY

Key Activities

  1. Daily Enrichment Activities: A rotating schedule of movement, music, mindfulness, leadership, STEAM, art, and games keeps each day fun and engaging.
  2. Circle Time: Songs, stories, and group games build connection, confidence, and communication skills.
  3. Quiet Time: A peaceful reset with books, calming toys, yoga, or quiet rest.
  4. Themed Play: Every two weeks, kids dive into imaginative, hands-on activities like exploring community helpers or nature adventures.

Times

The Full PLAY for TK is a full-day program running five days a week throughout the school year:

  • Standard Program: Up to 5:00 pm
  • Shortened Program: Up to 3:00 pm
  • Extended care: 5:00-6:00 pm

Cost

  • Standard Program: $750/month
  • Shortened Program: $425/month
  • Extended care: $100/month additional cost

Financial aid and payment plans are available! Please reach out to us at info@playcv.org for more information.

Additionally, PlayCV provides a sibling discount of 10% off the tuition, applied to the lower of the two enrollment fees.

Weekly Schedule

The Full PLAY

Key Activities

  • Enrichment & Leadership: Community and life skills-building on Mondays and Tuesdays. Elective classes round out the week with hands-on fun in arts, STEAM, and more.
  • Math Moment: Quick, daily games that build confidence and sharpen math skills.
  • Homework Time: A focused 30-minute block with support to help students stay on top of assignments.
  • Play & Choice: Time each day for structured games and free-choice fun—from crafts to group activities—that encourage creativity and connection.

Times

Full PLAY runs five days a week throughout the school year.

  • Program start: Last bell
  • Pickup window: 4:45-5:00 pm
  • Extended care: 5:00-6:00 pm

Cost

  • Standard Program: $570/month
  • Extended care: $70/month additional cost

Financial aid and payment plans are available! Please reach out to us at info@playcv.org for more information.

Additionally, PlayCV provides a sibling discount of 10% off the tuition, applied to the lower of the two enrollment fees.

The Club

Key Activities

  • Daily Check-In & Snack: Each day begins with a community check-in and a healthy snack to recharge and connect.
  • Homework Club: A quiet, supportive space to focus on assignments, get help, and build strong study habits.
  • Enrichment Classes: Elective classes in arts, tech, leadership, and more—designed for middle school interests and creativity.
  • Outdoor Time & Games: Structured sports, group games, and time to unwind and move.
  • Social Time: Opportunities to hang out with friends, build relationships, and practice communication in a safe and welcoming environment.

Times

Full PLAY runs five days a week throughout the school year.

  • Program start: Last bell
  • Pickup window: 4:45-5pm
  • Extended care: 5-6pm

Cost

  • Standard Program: $400/month
  • Extended care: $60/month additional cost

Program Details

Check-In Process (All)

Our after school programs begin in the multi-purpose room or cafeteria where the children are served a snack provided by the district. 

Immediately after the last bell of the regular school day, enrollees would head towards the cafeteria to check in. For our younger students (TK and Kindergarten), one of our team members will meet them at their classroom where we do a handoff from the school teacher.  As students are checked in, they will receive a snack that is provided by the CVUSD Child Nutrition Department.  Then, they will be sorted into classes, and escorted to the appropriate classrooms.

TK & Kindergarten Enrichment Activities

Mondays: Music, Movement, and Mindfulness  (for TK/K)

We start the week with a blend of music and movement! Children will explore rhythm and sounds, dance, and engage in mindful activities to enhance their emotional awareness and focus. This day is all about creating rhythm in their day and fostering a calm and balanced mindset.

Examples of activities include:

  • Musical group games - i.e., freeze dance or musical chairs
  • Gross or fine motor movement challenges - i.e., balancing, running, relay races, etc
  • Mindfulness movement activities - calming movement, yoga, etc
  • DIY musical instruments - shakers, drums, flutes

In the first two weeks, the students have participated in active moment stories, group dance challenges, and the musical games of Follow the Leader and Freeze Dance.

Tuesdays: Leader In Me (for TK/K)

Tuesdays are dedicated to building leadership skills. All students enrolled in The Full Play (TK-5th grade) participate in the leadership curriculum. The Leader In Me lessons are designed to teach leadership and life skills in a fun way. Through interactive activities and group discussions, your child will learn essential qualities such as responsibility, teamwork, and problem-solving. Our goal is to empower them with the confidence to take initiative and work well with others. Example activities include:

  • Stories and reflection
  • Group discussions
  • Group games

Wednesdays: STEAM (for TK/K)

On Wednesdays, we dive into the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Our hands-on projects and experiments will stimulate curiosity and critical thinking, allowing children to discover and enjoy the wonders of these subjects through playful exploration. At PlayCV, STEAM may look like:

  • Building challenges
  • Solving a problem
  • Hands-on science
  • Flying exploration
  • Experimenting with colors
  • Simple math games
  • Shape building
  • Exploring Nature

Thursday: Arts and Crafts (for TK/K)

Thursdays are all about creativity! Students engage in various arts and crafts projects, using different materials and techniques to express themselves artistically. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to develop fine motor skills and imagination. Arts and crafts at PlayCV looks like:

  • Process oriented art
  • Open ended crafts
  • Scissor skills
  • Exploration of materials - markers, paint sticks, dot markers
  • Collaging

Friday: Learn Through Play (for TK/K)

We wrap up the week with a day full of fun, interactive group games. These activities promote physical development, teamwork, and social skills, ensuring that kids not only have a blast but also learn important lessons about cooperation and friendly competition. Learn Through Play at PlayCV looks like:

  • Group Games
  • Relay challenges
  • Board games
  • Card games
  • And more

Once a month, the TK/K students will meet with The Full Play 1-5 students for our PlayCV Buddy program. In the first two weeks, the students have participated in games such as Doggy, Doggy, Four Corners, Simon Says, Duck, Duck, Goose, and Night at the Museum.

1st - 5th, 6th - 8th Grade Activities

PlayCV Towns (The Full PLAY for 1st - 5th Grade)

As part of The Full PLAY program, 1st through 5th grade students will have the chance to establish their own PlayCV Town within their school site. They will suggest and vote on a town name, motto, and seal, fostering a sense of ownership and pride. Students will also collaborate on creating a town mural and contribute to the establishment of core rules, jobs, and a money system.

Real-Life Jobs and PlayCV Money:
PlayCV Towns will introduce students to real-life responsibilities by assigning them various jobs within the program. These jobs will provide valuable experience, a sense of accomplishment, and PlayCV Money, which students can earn through completing tasks, attending classes, completing projects, or selling items at the town store. Fines may also be assessed for rule violations.
On Mondays, all The Full PLAY enrollees will participate in:

  1. Town Meetings
    • Announcements
    • Student Reports
    • Shout-Outs
    • Group Activities (PlayCV Service Projects)
  2. Town Store

Leader In Me (The Full PLAY for 1st - 5th Grade, The CLUB for 6th - 8th Grade)

On Tuesdays, all 1st-5th grade students enrolled in The Full Play program will participate in our "Leader In Me" classes, which use curriculum developed by FranklinCovey. These lessons are designed to teach leadership and life skills in a fun and engaging way, tailored to be age-appropriate for each grade level.

The goals of the "Leader In Me" program are to empower students with the essential skills they need to become effective leaders and proactive members of their community. Through this curriculum, we aim to instill a sense of responsibility, self-confidence, and teamwork in every student. By participating in these classes, students will learn to set and achieve personal and academic goals, communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and make informed, responsible decisions.

By integrating these leadership principles into our weekly curriculum, PlayCV is committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are prepared to take on leadership roles both inside and outside the classroom. We believe that every student has the potential to be a leader, and through "Leader In Me," we aim to unlock that potential and set them on a path to success.

Elective Enrichment Classes (The Full PLAY for 1st - 5th Grade, The CLUB for 6th - 8th Grade)

On Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 1st through 5th grade students enrolled in The Full PLAY will have an opportunity to join one of many enrichment classes. These classes are offered in 9-week sessions throughout the school year. Our course catalog offers a wide range of classes to choose from, allowing students to explore their interests and develop new skills. 

By default, The Full PLAY students will be enrolled in one of our Core classes described below. In each session, families will have an opportunity to substitute one of the Core classes with a Specialty class. The process for making that selection will be communicated prior to the start of each session.

PlayCV's Core Enrichment Classes

  • STEAM (Wednesdays)
    • Every Wednesday we'll do a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) activity. Examples of activities include: flying things, building challenges, solving a problem, hands-on science, and fashion design. The curriculum may vary based on age/grade level. 
  • Arts & Crafts (Thursdays)
    • Thursdays we will do an arts & crafts activity. Examples of activities include: drawing, watercolor, origami, and DIY crafts. 
  • Learn Thru Play (Fridays)
    • On Fridays we will “Learn Thru Play”. Every other week students will participate in each Stations activities or just fun activities.
      • Stations - Instructors will put out a selection of activities for students
      • Building Toys
      • Games
      • Arts & Crafts Activity
    • Just Fun
      • Group Games, Activities or Challenges

PlayCV's Homework Club

PlayCV provides a focused and supportive space for students to complete their homework through our Homework Club, available Monday through Thursday. Homework Club can be substituted in place of our Core classes during these days. Our dedicated staff offer guidance, answer questions, and provide general assistance to help students navigate their assignments.

At PlayCV, we create an environment conducive to learning, ensuring that students have the resources and support they need to tackle their homework effectively. Our instructors are there to clarify doubts and help students understand the concepts, enabling them to find the correct answers independently.

However, it's important to note that we do not correct homework assignments. We believe that it is the responsibility of your students' school teachers to assess their progress and understanding through their completed homework. Correcting homework can hinder this assessment process, as teachers need to see students' work to gauge their comprehension accurately. By providing help and answering questions for clarification, we ensure that students can get to the correct answer while still allowing their teachers to evaluate their true understanding.

PlayCV's Specialty Enrichment Classes

In addition to PlayCV's Core classes and Homework Club, PlayCV offers a variety of 'specialty' Enrichment Classes.  Our Enrichment Classes are thoughtfully designed to cater to a wide variety of interest, with the goal that every student gets a chance to participate. The curriculum is carefully curated to promote skill development and ignite a passion for learning. Our classes are led by dedicated instructors from the local community who are subject matter experts and truly passionate about their craft.  To browse our full catalog of Enrichment Classes, see our Enrichment Classes Page.

Math Moment (The Full PLAY for 1st - 5th Grade)

Monday through Friday, The Full PLAY students will play a quick (10-15 minutes) math game.  
Most games will be played in small groups of 2-4 students.  All of our games are designed to be fun while practicing the fundamental math skills of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Homework Support (The Full PLAY for 1st - 5th Grade, The CLUB for 6th - 8th Grade)

In The Full PLAY program, we are dedicated to helping students succeed not only academically but also in developing vital skills for independent learning. To this end, we offer a 30-minute homework support session, Monday through Thursday. This designated time is crucial for your student's growth, and we hold it as sacred.

During this homework support time, our staff will provide guidance, answer questions, and offer general assistance to students. However, it's important to note that we do not correct homework assignments. We firmly believe that it is the responsibility of your students' school teachers to assess students' progress and understanding through their completed homework. Correcting homework can hinder this assessment process. We will help or answer questions for clarification so students can get to the correct answer.

We have chosen this 30-minute timeframe intentionally. It allows students to attend their Enrichment Class or participate in The Full PLAY activities before beginning their homework. Additionally, having all students work on their homework simultaneously enables us to provide the necessary support effectively.

Please be aware that, as always, this homework support time is designated as device-free. Students should not use Chromebooks or other electronic devices during this time. Instead, if they do not have assigned homework that needs to be completed, they are encouraged to engage in activities such as reading, or writing. We request your support in this effort by sending books with your student for use during these periods when they do not have homework.

Our ultimate goal is to provide a predictable, consistent, and dependable learning environment; one that empowers your student(s) to become an independent learner while upholding the integrity of the educational process.

Mindfulness Matters (The Full PLAY for 1st - 5th Grade)

A short, kid-friendly practice to introduce mindfulness to our students. Through guided breathing, movement and other practices, students will focus on awareness of what they are sensing and feeing in the moment. Mindfulness can help with focus, concentration, stress, emotional regulation and overall wellbeing. 

Read Aloud (The Full PLAY for 1st - 5th Grade)

Once a week, students will listen to an age-appropriate chapter book being read to them. Reading chapter books aloud to kids can help develop their active listening skills, build vocabulary, improve comprehension, and strengthen fluency. 

Kid's Choice: Structured Play (The Full PLAY for 1st - 5th Grade)

This time is allocated for structured play and free choice activities that will foster social interaction and physical activity. During this time, students will be able to choose which activity they want to participate in. Choices may include: 

  1. Outdoor Play some text
    • i.e. playing on the playground structure
  2. Organized Game(s) and Activitiessome text
    • i.e. kickball, Simon Says, bracelet making, etc.
  3. Indoor Play some text
    • i.e. Building Toys, Games, Arts & Crafts Activity